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Spring Things to Do in Boulder

Spring is a magical time in Boulder. Thousands of tulips gingerly open their buds all along historic Pearl Street, wildflowers begin to bloom trailside and restaurant patios offer refuge for sun-seekers!

Here are 5 ways to enjoy spring in Boulder:

1. Head to the Boulder Farmers Market

Starting in April, the beloved farmers market will fill with local farmers, cheesemakers, bakers, winemakers, and flower growers. Pick up goodies, or simply grab a meal from the food court and enjoy a picnic on the shady, green Central Park. Every Saturday 8am-2pm (April-November) and Wednesdays 3:30-7:30pm (May-October).

Boulder Farmers Market Shopper with a Basket

2. Stop to smell the tulips

Downtown Boulder’s brick-paved Pearl Street Mall is filled with flowerbeds that bloom with upwards of 15,000 tulips in springtime. The timing of the buds’ opening is, of course, up to Mother Nature, but it’s usually mid to late April. Bring a camera and make a day of it with Pearl Street’s amazing shopping and dining.

Peach Tulips on Pearl Street

3. Go on an e-bike tour

If you’ve never tried an e-bike, you’re in for a treat. You'll feel like a superhero zooming up hills with the greatest of ease. This tour takes you through the historic downtown and up to the foot of the Flatirons. With nubby, fat tires, you can do these tours in most weather. Read our guide to e-biking in Boulder.

Group stopped to look at the Flatirons during a Electric Cruiser Bike Tour in Boulder

4. Go for a wildflower hike

Either by foot or by bike, Boulder’s hiking and biking trails are lovely and fresh in springtime, and there are close to 150 miles of them in Boulder. Here's a guide to Boulder's wildflowers and which trails to find them on.

Family hiking among wildflowers on the McClintock Trail Meadow Music

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Leave It As You Find It

“Flowers have powers when left on their towers.” When left alone, flowers influence the local ecosystem all year-round, but will only last a few days in a vase. Please don’t rob Colorful Colorado of its colors!

5. Go on an art walk

Some of Boulder’s best public art is included on this easy, downtown walking tour, every step of which is detailed here. And you’ll find plenty of spots to stop for beverages and snacks along the way. Boulder's collection of 135+ murals is worth exploring, too, as are downtown's 30 alley doors that have been beautified with artwork.

Mural with families carrying coffee

 

Spring Events

Ongoing Events

Boulder Farmers Market
Every Saturday, April 6-November 16, 2024 (8am-2pm) 
Every Wednesday, May 1-October 2, 2024 (3:30-7:30pm)
Come sample, shop, meet local farmers, smell the flowers, hear live music, sit by the creek and eat great food.

Boulder Farmers Market Man with flowersChautauqua Community House Series
Ongoing
Stimulating discussions and performances from engaging authors, explorers and creatives at a National Historic Landmark.

Boulder Bach Festival
October 21, 2023-March 18, 2024
A concentrated series of Bach-focused concerts, symposia and educational events each spring and a number of outreach concerts and other community events throughout the year.

Boulder Philharmonic
October 15, 2023-April 27, 2024
Boulder's professional symphony orchestra performs a season of delights at Macky Auditorium, schools and other venues.

March

Boulder International Film Festival
February 29-March 3, 2024
Films and filmmakers from around the world come to Boulder for a four-day celebration of the art of cinema.

BoCo Flamenco Festival
March 4-7, 2024
See world-class Flamenco artists visiting from Spain as they dance on Dairy Arts Center stages, plus films, classes and parties. 

Boulder Theater with Boulder International Film Festival Marquee

Boulder Ballet's "MINDFIELD"
March 8-10, 2024
Boulder Ballet's winter production will be a contemporary ballet featuring the collaborative voices of three distinct, powerful choreographers – Andrea Schermoly, Brandon Ragland, and Ben Needham-Wood.

Local Lab New Play Festival
March 14-17, 2024
A three-day theater festival of new works with fully staged concert readings, workshops and the opportunity for playwrights and attendees to participate in conversations.

April

Boulder Arts Week
April 5-13, 2024
An annual citywide celebration of the arts, with art walks, exhibitions, performances, dance, music, theater, public art, lectures, readings and workshops at venues all over town.

Conference on World Affairs at the University of Colorado
April 9-12, 2024
This year the Conference on World Affairs will feature over 70 panels that explore three exciting themes, including AI, climate change and more.

Taste of Pearl
April 14, 2024
Fifteen Boulder restaurants pair up with local wineries and distilleries for a unique experience where participants stroll through downtown and sample food and drinks while perusing galleries and shopping at local boutiques.

Bluebird Music Festival
April 20-21, 2024
Gregory Alan Isakov, Jeff Tweedy, Joy Oladokun, Langhorne Slim, Andy Shauf and more headline this festival with solo, acoustic performances inside the stunning Macky Auditorium.

Bluebird Music Festival

Tulip Fairy & Elf Festival
April 28, 2024 (Rain date: May 5)
Downtown Boulder's annual awakening of the tulips, where little ones dress up like fairies and elves. Approximately 15,000 tulips adorn Pearl Street's flower beds in the springtime. Participate in scavenger hunts to win prizes all month.

CU Presents
April 28-May 6, 2024
Grammy Award-winning string quartet with an irresistible blend of virtuosic technique and engaging personality.

May

Boulder Startup Week
May 13-17, 2024
Startup Week brings innovators and the community together with 200 events throughout the free, five-day lineup.

Colorado MahlerFest
May 15-19, 2024
A celebration of the great composer Gustav Mahler during a weeklong festival, culminating in two orchestral performances of one of Mahler’s major symphonic works.

Boulder Creek Festival
May 25-27, 2024
Three days of festivities featuring makers, artists and small businesses; family activities; music; food and entertainment — all on the banks of Boulder Creek.

Boulder Creek Festival
BolderBOULDER
May 27, 2024
One of the world's largest and most highly acclaimed 10Ks, with runners, joggers, walkers and spectators of all ages — many in costume — and a bash at the finish line in Folsom Field stadium.

Want more? Check our complete, searchable event calendar for even more ideas.